Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres acquire Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville from Wild for Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno

BUFFALO – Jason Botterill’s first multi-player trade is a big one, as the Sabres general manager today acquired defenseman Marco Scandella and former team captain Jason Pominville from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for wingers Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno.

“My little guy already has his jersey on right now, so he’s pumped and we’re excited,” Pominville said this afternoon on a conference call. “I couldn’t be happier for me and my family going somewhere ... Read the full article

Report: Sabres start contract extension discussions with Jack Eichel

The Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel’s camp have started “preliminary discussions” about a contract extension for the star center, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

The 20-year-old has one year with a base salary of $925,000 left on his entry-level deal. He can’t sign an extension until July 1.

If superstar Connor McDavid’s reported new contract – an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $13.25 million – is any indication, Eichel will break the ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Taylor Fedun to two-year contract

BUFFALO – The Sabres added defense depth today, re-signing Taylor Fedun to a two-year, two-way contract.

The 29-year-old could’ve become an unrestricted free agent Saturday.

Fedun split last season between the NHL and AHL, compiling career-high seven assists and seven points in 27 games, all career highs.

The Princeton product also had five goals and 23 points in 29 appearances with the Rochester Americans.

Fedun showcased some of his offensive prowess on the power play ... Read the full article

Sabres hire Randy Sexton, Steve Greeley as assistant GMs

BUFFALO – The Sabres have hired Randy Sexton and Steve Greeley as assistant general managers, the team announced this morning.

Mark Jakubowski, the Sabres’ assistant GM the last three years, has been named vice president of hockey administration.

It was widely reported the Sabres would hire the 57-year-old Sexton, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ director of amateur scouting the last seven years. The Sabres hired GM Jason Botterill from the Penguins on May 11.

Sexton will also ... Read the full article

Goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen sensed interest from Sabres

CHICAGO – When Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen surveys Buffalo’s goaltending depth chart, the 18-year-old Finn sees an opportunity. With Cal Petersen passing on the Sabres, the team wants another strong netminding prospect to fill the void.

So in the second round Saturday, 54th overall, the Sabres selected Luukkonen at the NHL Draft.... Read the full article

Goalie prospect Cal Petersen to pass on Sabres

CHICAGO – Forget about former Notre Dame goalie Cal Petersen joining the Buffalo Sabres. The 22-year-old prospect, who left school last month, will elect for free agency, general manager Jason Botterill said Friday morning.

“I don’t believe he’ll be signing with the Buffalo Sabres,” Botterill said hours before the first round of the NHL Draft.... Read the full article

Andrew Allen still with Sabres; Phil Housley assembling staff

CHICAGO – For now, goalie coach Andrew Allen is still with the Buffalo Sabres. General manager Jason Botterill wants to keep the lone holdover from former coach Dan Bylsma’s staff. That decision, however, will be left up to new coach Phil Housley.

“It’s a situation where we’re very excited about Andrew,” Botterill said this morning prior to the NHL Draft. “My plan has always been to work with Andrew. It’s a scenario where Phil and ... Read the full article

Goalie prospect Cal Petersen won’t sign with Sabres

“I don’t believe he’ll be signing with the Buffalo Sabres,” Botterill said hours before the first round of the NHL Draft.... Read the full article

Sabres re-sign goalie Linus Ullmark

BUFFALO – The Sabres have re-signed goalie Linus Ullmark to a two-year, $1.5 million contract, the team announced this afternoon.

Ullmark, 23, spent most of last season with the Rochester Americans, playing an AHL-high 55 games and just one NHL contest. He was due to become a restricted free agent.

If the Vegas Golden Knights don’t select Ullmark in the upcoming expansion draft – given the Swede has morphed into top prospect, he could be ... Read the full article

Former Amerks coach, Sabres assistant Dan Lambert hired by Spokane

Former Rochester Americans coach and Buffalo Sabres assistant Dan Lambert is heading back to the junior hockey to lead the Spokane Chiefs.

The Western Hockey League club hired Lambert, 47, as head coach today. He previously spent four years with the Kelowna Rockets, including a championship season in 2014-15, his only as head coach.... Read the full article